Can Paracetamol elevate liver enzymes?

Question

Ok I have had liver function test results from my Doctor, they showed an elevated liver enzyme level. I have been taking paracetamol for the past few days due to having a very bad cold, could this be the cause. I was also told I have high levels of calcium, whilst these results are elevated they are not dangerously high.
I am just trying to get an idea as to what is causing this. I can rule out alcohol as I don't drink.
I would be grateful for any advice Thanks.
Mark

Answer 1

Yes, paracetamol (acetominophen/tylenol to our US yahoo'ers) can elevate liver enzymes, but I believe normal use (within recommended dosage) should not be enough to raise your enzymes. Are you on other prescription or over the counter medication, too? Many prescriptions have paracetamol/acetominophen in them along with the prescribed drug. Also, please be aware that elevated liver enzymes are often the first symptoms of something going on with the liver. You may want to consider getting a hepatitis panel done which will check for the antibodies to hepatitis A, B ,& C. Many people in the US and UK have undiagnosed liver disease / hepatitis due to the lack of real symptoms. People often go undiagnosed for years, even decades until the liver is so damaged that they begin to have more serious symptoms. One more thing, with hepatitis, you can develop cirrhosis without ever having a drink in your life. Hope this helps you. Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

liver enzymes can indeed be elevated by the paracetamol, but you would have to take over 2000 mg in 24 hours to effect that change, in which case you risk complete liver failure. Suggest you stop taking any paracetamol for a week and recheck your liver functions.